Posts Tagged ‘ Drake ’
Good lawd!!! Rihanna does it again! GQ releases 2012′s Men of the Year but who cares when Rihanna poses like this! Check out her pics in this month’s mag and she talks about the Chris Brown vs Drake bottle throwing incident, her latest tattoos and more – enjoy!
via TMZ
10:15 AM PT –
A witness who was inside the club tells TMZ … Chris Brown did NOT send any bottles over to Drake’s table, despite several reports to the contrary.We’re told both Brown and Drake had been hanging out in the VIP section … when Drake began pointing and yelling at Brown.
Brown began yelling back … and that’s when members of both entourages rushed in and began shoving each other.
With tensions running high, someone threw a bottle — which set the whole thing off … and the shoving turned to punches.
We’re told club security rushed in to break up the fight … and called police for backup. Brown and Drake left the scene by the time cops showed up … but several members of their entourages remained at the club. Multiple members of both crews required medical assistance.
We’re told the club suffered some serious damage in the fight — including busted up tables, broken mirrors, shattered lighting and glass scratches all over the floors.
Chris Brown sustained a nasty gash on his chin — apparently a wound from a bottle attack — after his entourage allegedly clashed with Drake‘s crew in a NYC nightclub brawl.
TMZ has confirmed with the NYPD that the two singers’ crews got into a fight at WIP nightclub — 5 people were injured in the melee.
NYPD arrived on the scene after receiving a call between 4 and 5am. Chris and Drake were not present when cops arrived.
After the fight, Brown tweeted a photo of his injury … along with the message, “How u party wit rich n**** that hate? Lol… Throwing bottles like girls? #shameonya!.”
**UPDATE** 2PM EST
An inside source and eyewitness to the brawl has exclusively told GlobalGrind that Drake and Chris Brown did not physically touch each other. Developing…
–
Chaos ensued in New York City last night as Drake and Chris Brown got into a bloody brawl at the new, hot nightclub WIP in downtown Manhattan aka Manny-Hanny.
PHOTOS: Drake Vs Chris Brown Fight Pictures: Before, During, And After
Last night, glass was everywhere when Drake threw a bottle at Chris Brown leaving the Look At Me Now star with a gash on his chin.
Allegedly the fight started when Chris Brown sent a bottle over to Drake. That’s when the Toronto rapper went face to face in the club with Chris and began arguing about Rihanna. Some believe Meek Mill may have instigated the fight, who was also in the club hanging out with Drake. However after words were exchanged, Drake punched Chris Brown in the face, and hit him in the mouth with a bottle before he could retalitate from the punch.
Additional eyewitness reports are saying that a member of Drake’s crew picked up a bottle and hit Chris directly in the face with the bottle. This caused bottles, glass cups, and metal containers to fly.
Chris Brown jumped on twitter and went in.
“Niggas throwing bottles! Y’all niggaz weak! Ok! Niggas stand behind security!!!! Ok! U don’t pay them enough! Niggas hiding in the bathroom bitch ass niggas! And I’m the singer?
Bottles? It’s nothing!
Lol How u party wit a rich nigga that hate? Lol…. Throwing bottles like girls? #shameonya!”
The two have had a war of words since both being romantically attached to Rihanna. After the fight, Meek Mill found it funny uploading a tweetgram referring to Rihanna’s goodies and even throwing a Shaggy quote.
“It wasn’t me…. (shaggy voice) lol”
There are reports the two started throwing blows (and bottles!) over Chris’ ex girlfriend,Rihanna, who Drake is rumored to have hooked up with.
LIL KIM OWES OVER A MILLION IN BACK TAXES!
According to TMZ, Lil Kim can’t seem to remember to pay her taxes on time. Apparently, the fem-cee failed to pay the government from 2002 to 2009 and owes a whopping one-million dollars in back taxes. Her rep has responded to the news by revealing Kim “hired professional attorneys to handle this matter.” Her rep added, “She, along with her team of legal experts, are working cooperatively and diligently with the IRS and federal authorities to amicably resolve the situation.”
KID CUDI REMOVES HIMSELF FROM TWITTER
Kid Cudi needs a break from Twitter. In case you missed it, the rapper wrote to his 389-thousand followers that he’s “going away for a while” from the social networking site. He said in his last message, “Since y’all won’t hear from me, I hope you all like the album when it comes out Feb 28th.” The rapper then added, “I really worked hard to do my best. Thank You.” It’s unknown why he’ll no longer tweet or if this is just temporary. In related news, after Cudi drops his new WZRD LP later this month. He’s set to begin recording another project immediately following the release.
In 2009, Kid Cudi deleted his official account and returned two years later.
RIHANNA WANTS TO REMIX “BIRTHDAY CAKE”
Rihanna recently announced on her Twitter account that she’s considering a remix for her newest single, “Birthday Cake.” She wrote, “Now here’s the trick question! #IF I put collaborator on it, who would u wanna see lick the icing off????? #CAKE.” As her fans responded with random suggestions, Ri Ri followed-up her original tweet with “I need somebody #DIRRRTY on my Birthday #CAKE 
lol.” This seemed to be a subliminal call to Christina Aguilera’s hit single. Looks like we’ll have to wait and see.
JUDGE ORDERS THAT BOW WOW BE ARRESTED ON SIGHT
Poor Bow Wow. A Georgia judge has reportedly granted permission for the rapper to be arrested and held until he resolves a lawsuit from a Tennessee bus company. According to TMZ, Chad failed to pay 100-thousand for a tour bus he used back in 2009 and also did not respond to the suit. The news comes just a few weeks after we reported that the rap star still owes a significant amount of money in back taxes to the IRS.
His seventh solo album, Underrated, is due on March 13th.
JAZMINE SULLIVAN RETURNS TO STUDIO!
R&B fans will be happy to know that Jazmine Sullivan has announced that she’s begun recording the follow-up to 2010’s Love Me Back. The singer, who previously said she needed a break from music to “figure out who I am…w/out a [mic], paper or pen,” recently tweeted that she was in the studio working on her new album. Jaz revealed that she was “writing a freak nasty song [with] pops my mom and two aunts… Lol. #uncomfortable.” We’ll keep you posted with further details on the status of her untitled disc.
BUSTA RHYMES CAN’T STAND FAKE RAPPERS
Busta Rhymes is slowly but surely readying his comeback album, which marks his first record since 2009’s Back on My B.S. The hip hop heavyweight recently told us that his biggest pet peeve in the industry is fake rappers. While he’s still crafting his upcoming project, E.L.E. (Extinction Level Event) 2: End of the World), you can check out the visual for his latest buzz single, “Why Stop Now” featuring Chris Brown via his official website.
DRAKE RESPONDS TO “MARVIN’S ROOM” LAWSUIT
We previously reported Drake is being sued for his latest single, “Marvin’s Room,” by his ex-girlfriend, Ericka Lee. While Lee claimed that the Young Money star excluded her from co-writer royalties for the smash single, Drizzy’s rep denies the allegations. A spokesperson for Drake told XXLMag.com, “This claim is entirely without merit and our client has not engaged in any wrongful conduct… [Lee] did not ask for any compensation. It was only after she retained a lawyer that there was a demand for payment.” Lee is actually the woman heard on the phone in the beginning of the track and she now wants a judge to declare her as a co-writer and award her an undisclosed amount in damages.
PRIVATE JET COMPANY DROPS LAWSUIT AGAINST JAY-Z
Do you remember when news broke that Jay-Z was being sued for allegedly failing to pay a six-figure bill for a private jet he used back in 2010? Well it looks like the lawsuit for the 137-thousand dollar luxury aircraft has been dropped. While it’s unknown if a settlement was reached, Hova was initially accused of not paying for the full 55 hours of flying time on the jet.
NICK CANNON SAYS HE’S 100 PERCENT BETTER!
After suffering from some health issues late last month, Nick Cannon made an appearance in Indianapolis to host the NBC’s pre-Super Bowl show. The 31-year-old was hospitalized for mild kidney failure, but maintains that he’s doing much better. In addition, Mariah Carey’s husband claims he has made plenty of changes to his lifestyle, including a much healthier diet. The entertainer told the Associated Press that the event was “a great place to get back and debut the healthy Nick.”
- This spring, Cannon will begin working with Lionsgate on his directorial debut.
MTV2’S HIP HOP CELEBRATION CONTINUES
MTV2 recently announced the next singles to be featured on MTV2 Presents: Yo! MTV Raps Classic Cuts. Hosted by Sway, the show will take a look at the major impact of tracks like “Straight Outta Compton” from California hip-hop group N.W.A., “O.P.P.” from East Coast trio Naughty by Nature, and Chicago native Common’s “I Used to Love H.E.R.” Fans can expect to hear from the legends themselves, as well as from other artists and insiders including Wiz Khalifa and Mac Miller. MTV2 will continue the hip-hop celebration with Hottest MC’s in the Game VII, followed by Sucker Free Certified. Tune in on February 19th at 10 PM and join the party!
- On June 11th, 2011, Naughty By Nature became the first hip-hop group to perform at Fenway Park.
CHRIS BROWN RESPONDS TO GQ’S FASHION REVIEW
We recently reported Chris Brown’s fashion sense has landed him on the U-K’s GQ magazine the worst dressed list. After hearing the news, Brown tweeted, “The clothes don’t wear you, you wear the clothes.” He added, “A lot of my fashion icons today are like Pharrell [Williams], he has a lot of incredible style and him being from Virginia, that’s always one of those things that get the kids going excited.” In related news, his next album, Fortune, will arrive in March.
DRAKE BREAKS DIDDY’S RECORD
According to his official fansite, Drake is no longer tied with Diddy for the most number one singles on the Billboard Rap Songs chart. Since the rapper’s “Make Me Proud” with Nicki Minaj landed at number one last week, Aubrey has surpassed Puff with 11 number ones under his belt – here they are:
Drake – Best I Ever Had
Forever (Eminem, Kanye West, Lil Wayne & Drake)
Say Something (Timbaland Feat. Drake)
Drake – Over
Drake – Fancy (Feat. T.I. & Swizz Beatz)
Right Above It (Lil Wayne Feat. Drake)
Aston Martin Music (Rick Ross Feat. Chrisette Michele & Drake)
Moment 4 Life (Nicki Minaj Feat. Drake)
I’m On One (DJ Khaled Feat. Drake, Rick Ross and Lil Wayne)
Drake – Headlines
Drake – Make Me Proud (Feat. Nicki Minaj)
AND…
DRAKE SHOOTS VIDEO FOR “PRACTICE”
Even though he’s only seen for 20 seconds in the video, Drake has issued a visual for his new single, “Practice.” In the clip, a video vixen named Kyra Chaos dances in her bedroom mirror for most of the song until Drizzy opens the door and surprises her at the end. If you think you can dance better, he’s asking fans to submit videos via OctobersVeryOwn.Blogspot.com. In related news, Drake will begin his Club Paradise tour on Valentine’s Day.
WIZ KAHALIFA BREAKS DOWN TITLE FOR NEXT LP
MTV News caught up with Wiz Khalifa to find out more about his upcoming album, O.N.I.F.C. Since many fans are wondering what the title means, the “Black & Yellow” rapper explained, “It’s the Only N-Word in First Class. It’s inspired by Prodigy’s H.N.I.C. When he dropped that, I felt like that sounded so strong.” Wiz shared, “I was just talking about me being a young rich dude and being black.” The release date for the project is yet to be announced.
Wiz confirmed a song will be produced by Pharrell.
JA RULE FINISHES HIS GED IN PRISON
According to the New York Daily News, Ja Rule is making good use of his two-year prison sentence stemming from weapons and tax evasion charges. The 36-year-old rapper has reportedly earned his GED during his stint. In addition, Ja plans to begin college-level courses later this month, most likely after his seventh studio album, Pain Is Love 2, arrives on February 28th.
DAY26 RETURNS WITH “MADE LOVE LATELY”
Day26 is back like they never let. The former Bad Boy band have issues a new song called “Made Love Lately,” which serves as the first single from the group’s upcoming album, A New Day. One of the members, Brian, told Rap-Up.com, “It’s real R&B. It’s taking it back to that ’90s R&B. It’s heartfelt, it’s passion.” The disc, which include contributions from Bryan-Michael Cox and Rico Love, will arrive via Atlantic Records later this year. Head over to Day26Online.com to watch the video for their lead offering.
MACHINE GUN KELLY’S “INVINCIBLE” USED FOR WRESTLEMANIA
According to AllHipHop.com, Machine Gun Kelly’s new single, “Invincible,” will be used during the upcoming Wrestlemania XXVIII event in Miami. The Ester Dean-featured song will serve as WWE star John Cena’s music during his wrestling match against The Rock. In related news, the Bad Boy artist said in a statement, “John Cena and myself are both underdogs and the song is about struggle, I think it’s so cool they chose it.”
VH1 TO NAME 100 GREATEST WOMEN IN MUSIC
Vh1’s celebration of the greatest women in music history is back by popular demand. However, fans can expect a huge make-over. In order to feature a larger spectrum of talent, this year’s fan-generated list will include six different categories – “All Time,” “90s,” “80s,” “Pop,” “Rock” and “Hip/Hop R&B.” The list will also include more contemporary performers. Will stars Beyonce and Nicki Minaj hold their own against music legends Janet Jackson and Madonna? Be sure to cast your vote soon and expect the weeklong series to begin on February 13th.
- Artists in the top ten of the 2009 list included Aretha Franklin, Tina Turner, Joni Mitchell and Janis Joplin.
MADONNA DROPS NEW VIDEO!
Madonna has released her “Give Me All Your Luvin’” video. The clip features Nicki Minaj and M.I.A., masked cheerleaders, football players and a lot of old-school Madonna references. The clip opens with Nicki and M.I.A. done up in cheerleader costumes chanting Madge’s name. It then cuts to Madonna kicking down the door of her suburban home, pushing along a baby stroller. From there, the video takes some unusual turns: football players tackling street signs, Madonna abandoning her baby carriage to hang out with her cheerleader crew, shots of her done up in black lingerie and a giant cross dancing in front of a brick wall. The video ends with Madonna tossing her baby doll to the side as one final message flashes across the screen: “Touchdown!,” a tip of the hat to her Super Bowl appearance over the weekend. “Give Me Your Luvin’” is the first single off her new album, MDNA, which will arrive on March 26th.
AND…
NFL APOLOGIZES FOR MIA’s MIDDLE FINGER DURING MADONNA’S HALF TIME PERFORMANCE
At Sunday’s Super Bowl, it wasn’t a “wardrobe malfunction” that got tongues wagging, but an appendage malfunction.
M.I.A.’s hand signal during her Super Bowl performance of the new Madonna single was a switch from the handgun motion she uses in the video for the song.
Madonna’s halftime show — which featured hip-hoppers Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. clad in cheerleader attire and pompoms, singing along to the pop star’s new single, Give Me All Your Luvin’— was upstaged when M.I.A. (aka Maya Arulpragasam) extended her middle finger to the cameras. A record 111.3 million viewers saw the British rapper’s brief obscene gesture during the telecast, the most-watched TV program in U.S. history, according to Nielsen figures.
Oops.
NBC had a five-second video delay on the show but managed to blur M.I.A’s raised finger only after it appeared on air.
Tweeted Perez Hilton: “Think she’ll ever be on live TV again?”
People “flipping the bird” during football games is not rare, even on camera: In October, Green Bay Packers linebacker A.J. Hawk was fined $10,000 for flashing his middle finger during a televised Fox game against the St. Louis Rams.
It just doesn’t usually come from the halftime entertainment.
“If you’re going to go all-in on the spectacle of performing on a halftime show in the Super Bowl, you should probably keep your middle finger down,” says Craig Marks, editor in chief of PopDust.com. “Who are you actually flipping off? It just seems out of place, and it’s not a good platform to try to be particularly rebellious.”
The Super Bowl is such a mainstream event, “things that at a typical performance would not make anybody bat an eye become the subject of a very intense focus,” says Rolling Stone contributing editor Anthony DeCurtis.
The rapper — who was one of Google’s most-searched subjects Monday — isn’t commenting on the incident, but such rude moments aren’t out of the norm for the music industry.
A shot of Johnny Cash giving the middle finger to photographer Jim Marshall during a 1969 performance at San Quentin Prison added to the Man in Black’s mystique. But when Kanye West interrupted Taylor Swift as she accepted a trophy during the 2009 MTV Video Music Awards, his image wasn’t helped at all. “That made him look like a twit,” DeCurtis says.
Usually in the world of hip-hop, foul language and gestures can be a boon for artists (see: 2 Live Crew).
“She’s supposed to be controversial,” DeCurtis says. “M.I.A. is certainly not on the scale of Madonna or Nicki Minaj, and it might help (her career) now that people know who she is.”
Marks isn’t sure whether the Paper Planes singer’s errant appendage — a switch from the handgun motion she uses in the video for the new Madonna single — will help or hinder sales for her upcoming new album. (The first single was released Friday. The title? Bad Girls.)
But Chris Willman of Yahoo Music definitely sees it as a plus for M.I.A. “I don’t think she’s ever gotten this much attention before,” he says. “That’s the kind of publicity you can’t buy when you have an album coming out.
“Who would have guessed that Madonna would be an afterthought in what people are talking about after the show? Madonna might be more mad than any conservative groups.”
NBC and the NFL later issued apologies for the incident.
“The NFL hired the talent and produced the halftime show,” NBC spokesman Christopher McCloskey said. “Our system was late to obscure the inappropriate gesture and we apologize to our viewers.”
Said NFL spokesman Brian McCarthy: “The obscene gesture in the performance was completely inappropriate, very disappointing, and we apologize to our fans.”
In the long run, the incident won’t be as infamous as Janet Jackson’s, when the singer’s breast was exposed for about a second while performing with Justin Timberlake during the 2004 Super Bowl. The FCC fined CBS $550,000, but that was fine overturned by a federal appeals court.
“Nothing freaks out America more than nudity while the children are watching,” Marks says.
That led to a run of more “non-controversial” Super Bowl performers such as Bruce Springsteen, The Who and the Rolling Stones.
“Madonna to this day courts controversy,” DeCurtis says. “In a certain sense, if you’re asking Madonna, Nicki Minaj and M.I.A. to get up on stage, you’re getting what you asked for.”
Still, there were the next-day mea culpas. The NFL issued an apology for “the completely inappropriate gesture,” while NBC said in a statement that its delay system failed to catch the “spontaneous” middle finger in time. The Parents Television Council was not amused either, calling the gesture “a slap in the face.”
Marks suspects the gesture was more premeditated than spontaneous, seeing how M.I.A. looked directly at the camera when she did it.
“The only mystery is whether or not Madonna approved of her message, whether she knew she was going to do it, or whether she tried to stop her or not. Maybe she put her up to it, who knows?” he says.
“My instinct is that (M.I.A.) recognized the overblown ridiculousness that is the Super Bowl halftime show. (Maybe) she felt a little silly for being up there in a mock cheerleader costume cheering for Madonna and she just wanted to make her mark somehow.”
The action and the reaction, however, both seem equally juvenile to Marks. “It’s amazing that people care so much about such a small little thing, but that’s the Super Bowl for you.”
Says Willman: “Everybody’s seen a middle finger before.”
By Christopher Polk
Contributing: Michael Hiestand and Elysa Gardner
AND speaking of the Super Bowl…
CONGRATS TO THE NY GIANTS AND ALL THEI FANS ON YOUR SUPERBOWL 46 VICTORY!
BEYONCE IS BEING CONSIDERED FOR X-FACTOR PANNEL AND $100 MILLION SALARY
Ever since news broke that Nicole Scherzinger and Paula Abdul were fired from The X Factor USA panel, rumors have run rampant about who will replace the two judges. So far, we’ve heard Kelly Rowland, Mariah Carey and Nicki Minaj are in the running, but a source told Englans’s The Mirror that Beyonce is being considered as well. An X Factor insider claims, “Simon wants nothing but the best for the X Factor.” The X Factor USA will returns this fall on FOX.
It would the highest TV salary ever, and, indeed, an ideal job for Beyonce, 30, who gave birth daughter Blue Ivy, her first child with husband Jay-Z, last month; the X-Factor stint could theoretically allow the Grammy winning singer a way to stay in the public eye during her baby’s first years without having to tour worldwide.
- Do you think Beyonce will be too busy raising Blue Ivy to do the show?
DRAKE’S EX WANTS MONEY FROM MARVIN’S ROOM
Young Money superstar Drake’s alleged ex-girlfriend Ericka Lee has come forward with a lawsuit against the Grammy-nominated performer for not getting compensated after contributing to his “Marvin’s Room” summer anthem.
The lawsuit is officially filed and cites Drake for not paying what is due in royalties.
Ericka Lee, revealing herself to be Drake’s ex-girlfriend, has stepped up, saying she was the voice on the other end of the phone call. The woman is now suing Drake for excluding her from sharing co-writer royalties on one of his biggest recent hits. Lee filed the lawsuit on Thursday in California federal court claiming the two had a romantic and business partnership between early-2010 and mid-2011. During the relationship, the two are said to have traded poems and song lyrics and discussed joint creative projects. (The Hollywood Reporter)
Following a messy break-up, Lee later contacted an attorney to put the suit into motion.
By November, Lee hired a lawyer, which allegedly caused Drake to make threatening phone calls. “What the f–k is your problem?” he said to her, according to the complaint, then offering her “4-5%” of publishing monies plus a $50,000 payout to go away. Instead, Lee has filed a lawsuit over “Marvin’s Room,” which has been viewed more than 39 million times on YouTube. She demands a judge declare her as co-writer of the song. She’s also seeking damages and disgorgement of profits on allegations of breach of fiduciary duties and unjust enrichment. Lee is represented by Neville Johnson, who previously filed a lawsuit against Drake on behalf of a Playboy Enterprises for sampling an unauthorized sound recording it owned on “Best I Ever Had.” (The Hollywood Reporter)
The record premiered last summer and features production from Noah “40″ Shebib.
Get excited, Drake fans. According to his website, his sophomore album, Take Care, is due out in October and we should be hearing the first single in July. And if that isn’t enough for y’all, he has also come through with a brand-new track called “Marvins Room.” It’s far less rap-heavy than “Dreams Money Can Buy” and instead features Drizzy throwing on his R&B sad-man/storyteller hat throughout the nearly six-minute-long track. The result is a pretty epic cut that includes a track-ending piano solo and producer Noah “40″ Shebib’s trademark watery 808s. A single this is not, but I’ll be d*mned if it won’t make for a killer deep cut. (Prefix Mag)
Outside of romance and legal woes, Drizzy recently made headlines for shattering records.
The Toronto rapper has broken the record for most number one songs on the Billboard Rap Songs chart on the heels of his 11th hit “Make Me Proud” featuring Nicki Minaj. This bests a previous tie the Canadian rapper held with Diddy. Billboard reports, “When it comes to topping the tally the most, Drake, in less than three years, has become the best the chart ever had”. (RapFix)
- Cyrus Langhorne
B.O.B ISSUES “STRANGE CLOUDS” REMIX VIDEO
B.o.B has issued the visual for the remix video for “Strange Clouds.” According to his official website, the revamped track includes guest verses from T.I. and Young Jeezy and is expected to appear on his sophomore album of the same name. Strange Clouds lands on March 13th.\
ALICIA KEYS VACATIONS IN HAWAII WITH FAMILY
Wanna know what Alicia Keys and Swizz Beatz have been up to? The two love birds were spotted vacationing with their son, Egypt, on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. The family was there to celebrate the singer’s recent 31st birthday. Here’s what she tweeted about the experience, “I’ve never seen a starrier sky I’ve never felt a more beautiful breeze I’ve never been more alive And It brings me to my knees!” In related news, Keys is still working on the follow-up to 2009’s Element Of Freedom, which is expected to land later this year.
YOUNG JEEZY ANNOUNCES TM103 TOUR
To further support the release of his latest album, TM103, Young Jeezy has announced the dates for his upcoming outing, which is being dubbed The Hustlerz Ambition Tour. The rapper’s 25-city North American outing will begin on March 3rd in Washington, D.C. and wrap on April 6th in Montreal. Head to his official website to learn how to score passes now.
March 3 – Washington DC
March 4 – New York, NY
March 5 – Boston, MA
March 6 – Hartford, CT
March 8 – Philadelphia, PA
March 9 – Cincinnati, OH
March 10 – Detroit, MI
March 11 – Cleveland, OH
March 12 – Indianapolis, IN
March 13 – Chicago, IL
March 20 – Las Vegas, NV
March 21 – San Diego, CA
March 22 – Los Angeles, CA
March 24 – San Francisco, CA
March 27 – Seattle, WA
March 28 – Vancouver, B.C.
March 29 – Edmonton, Alb.
March 30 – Calgary, Alb.
March 31 – Saskatoon, Sask.
April 1 – Winnipeg, Man.
April 5 – Toronto, Ont.
April 6 – Montreal, Que.
R KELLY DROPS “SHARE MY LOVE”
R Kelly is readying his comeback. After overcoming throat surgery late last year, the self-proclaimed R&B king has issued a new song called “Share My Love.” The up-tempo track serves as the first single from his new album, Write Me Back. The follow-up to Love Letter will arrive in stores in March.
In addition, Kellz is also working on a sequel to his 1993 debut, 12 Play, entitled Black Panties.
WILLOW SMITH WHIPS HER HAIR NO MORE
It’s the end of an era, tweens and tween-adjacents. After 464 glorious days of hair whipping, Will Smith’s singing, dancing daughter Willow posted a pic on her WhoSay account showing a newly shorn head. Known for out-there style choices, the “21st Century Girl” must have felt that long locks were so last year — either that or she got a little too close to a “Fireball.” All in all, it was a good run — when Miss Piggy is mussing her golden coiffure in tribute, you know you’ve succeeded. Let us pause and take a moment to remember the paint-splattering, hair-whipping good times (video below, obviously). – Lanford Beard
ELEPHANT MAN ARRESTED FOR RAPE
According to TMZ, Elephant Man was arrested in Jamaica for allegedly raping a woman sometime last month inside his St. Andrew home. The reggae king, known for his 2004 hit “Jook Girl,” was recently questioned about his involvement while his lawyers were present. He was officially booked following the interrogation and charged with grievous sexual assault and rape. We’ll keep you posted.
BOW WOW ISSUES UNDERRATED TRACKLIST
Now that Bow Wow has secured a launch date for his long-awaited Underrated LP, the Young Money rapper has revealed the tracklist for his 17-track project. Be sure to look for the disc, which includes appearances from Chris Brown, Wiz Khalifa, Miguel, Busta Rhymes and Meek Mil, on March 13th.
Bow Wow – Underrated Tracklisting
1. “Intro”
2. “Where My Dogs At” (produced by Cardiak)
3. “Must Be Stupid” feat. Busta Rhymes (produced by AraabMuzik)
4. “Why Y’all” (produced by Jahlil Beats)
5. “We Going Hard” feat. Ace Hood (produced by Cardiak)
6. “Right Now” feat. Miguel
7. “Heart Stop” (produced by Drumma Boy)
8. “Sweat” feat. Lil Wayne (produced by Detail and Bei Maejor)
9. “Ain’t Thinkin’ ‘Bout You” feat. Chris Brown (produced by Kevin McCall)
10. “Wrong Time” feat. Musiq Soulchild (produced by Musiq Soulchild)
11. “I Try” (produced by Beat Bully)
12. “Boy or Girl” (produced by Soundsmith and Neenyo)
13. “If You Were Down” feat. Talib Kweli (produced by No I.D.)
14. “The Cypher” feat. Meek Mill (produced by Jahlil Beats)
15. “Lifestyle Ain’t for Me” (produced by Lodi Lucci)
16. “Ohio to Yonkers” feat. Jadakiss (produced by Jahlil Beats)
17. “All That I Know” feat. Wiz Khalifa and Juicy J (produced by Sledge)
DRAKE WON’T RESPOND TO COMMON ANYMORE
Sometimes, when you’re in the middle of a rap feud, it’s just best to keep quiet. And that’s exactly what Drake plans to do when it comes to the one-sided beef that’s brewing between him and Common. Drizzy told NahRight.com, “That situation is not a ‘hip-hop moment’ or a ‘battle for the sake of musical integrity’… it’s a ploy for attention around the release of an album.” As previously reported, the Chicago native has denied that the beef began due to Drake’s rumored fling with Common’s ex-girlfriend, Serena Williams.
AND…
DRAKE, RIHANNA TO HEADLINE FESTIVAL IN LONDON
According to Rap-Up.com, Drake and Rihanna are hooking up again. No, not like that. The entertainers are scheduled to team up at this summer’s Barclaycard Wireless Festival in the U-K. Taking place at London’s Hyde Park, Drizzy is expected to take stage on July 7th while Ri Ri will close the festival on July 8th. If you’re interested, tickets go on sale this Friday (2/3) at 10 AM.
MIA CONFIRMS SUPER BOWL HALFTIME SHOW PERFORMANCE
NME reports that MIA has confirmed she will be performing with Madonna during the Super Bowl halftime show. The rapper told BBC Radio 1 that she will be performing with Madge and Nicki Minaj, which has been speculated for weeks. Minaj and MIA are both featured on Madonna’s new single, “Give Me All Your Luvin.”
RICK ROSS SAYS DR DRE IS “INSPIRATIONAL”
In case you didn’t know, Rick Ross recently logged studio time with DJ Khaled and Dr Dre. While it’s unknown how many tracks Rozay recorded with the Dre, he told MTV News, “It was amazing. We had the opportunity to just first and foremost touch base like bosses. We went out, we had dinner, we just discussed ideas and that led to the studio.” We’re hoping whatever the duo recorded will either end up on Rick’s upcoming album, God Forgives, I Don’t, or the hitmaker’s long-awaited Detox LP.
ROMEO MILLER LANDS NEW ACTING ROLE
Romeo Miller has taken a break from music to expand his acting resume. After recently starring in Jumping The Broom, Master P’s son has reportedly landed a role in Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Witness Protection. The former Dancing With The Stars competitor will star as “Jake” in the upcoming comedy that also features John Amos, Denise Richards and Tom Arnold.
The flick marks Perry’s 14th movie in seven years.
2 CHAINz CONFIRMS SIGNING TO DEF JAM
During an interview with XXLMag.com, 2 Chainz announced that he has signed to Def Jam Recordings. The rapper, who was signed to Ludacris’ Disturbing tha Peace label, stated, “I just took another route as far as running my own company and bossing up. But on the other hand, I’m still working with him. He has an album coming out this year, as well. Matter of fact, we are label mates, now, which is crazy. So, yeah, that’ll be cool. I’m looking forward to that.” In addition, he plans to release two new projects in 2012.
MINDLESS BEHAVIOR PARTNERS WITH K-MART
Mindless Behavior are really starting to make a name for themselves. The R&B boy band have landed a merchandise deal with Kmart. The “Mrs. Right” group said in a statement, “We’re excited to partner with Kmart to bring some new MB swag to fans all across the U-S! We helped design all of the styles and hope all of our Mindless ladies love em!” Fans can expect the band to celebrate the launch by doing in store appearances and autograph signings starting today.
- For a list of cities, visit MindlessBehavior.com.
- They recently received their first NAACP Image Award nomination.
QUESTLOVE PAYS HOMAGE TO DON CORNELIUS
Following the news that Soul Train creator Don Cornelius died of an apparent self-inflicted gunshot, Questlove paid homage to the 75-year-old icon via OkayPlayer.com. Here’s The Roots’ drummer’s full post:
“Don Cornelius was my first non musical non celeb non blood related hero.
It’s amazing timing that my arrival on earth and his greatest creative manifestation came within 9 months of each other. both symbolizing a new hope for urban America. most won’t get it til now (especially now that he’s gone) but i pray that Don knew of the appreciation he had in all of us born after 1968. You people will have to forgive me…I’m just kinda writing from the heart….sporadic thoughts tears and snot are spilling out and whatnot. I’m certain dream and toure and nelson will do his legacy justice in print….i just felt the need to write something.”
TYRESE SHOOTS VIDEO FOR “NOTHING ON YOU”
According to his official fansite, Tyrese is gearing up to re-release his latest album, Open Invitation. To get fans more hyped about the deluxe version, the crooner has shot a visual to his new single, “Nothing On You,” which includes Chilli from TLC as his love interest. You can expect the clip to premiere on Valentine’s Day.
MOBB DEEP, NIPSEY HUSSLE ADDED TO SMOKEOUT FEST
Looks like the Cypress Hill Smokeout 2012 Festival has attracted an impressive roster of performers. We’ve just learned the full list of acts that are scheduled to perform, which include Mobb Deep, Wiz Khalifa, Curren$Y, Nipsey Hussle and many more. The event takes place on March 3rd at NOS Events Center in Southern California and tickets are available now via TicketFly.com.
Smokeout 2012 Line-up
Sublime with Rome
Korn
Cypress Hill
Thievery Corporation
Wiz Khalifa
Café Tacuba
Wolfgang Gartner
MSTRKRFT
Rusko
Mobb Deep
Low End Theory (Daddy Kev, Nobody, Gaslamp Killer, D-Styles, Nocando)
The Dirty Heads
Curren$Y
Nipsey Hussle
DJ Muggs
Daedelus
Danny Brown
ScHoolBoy Q
Ritmo Machine
Fashawn
PITBULL TO GET HONORED AT BMI AWARDS
AllHipHop.com reports that Pitbull is expected to be honored at the 19th annual BMI Awards. The rapper will be presented with the coveted BMI President Award, which recognizes “Pitbull’s genre bending style of music has allowed him to appeal to numerous fan bases, including Hip-Hop, Urban, Latin, Pop and European.” The ceremony will take place at Encore Wynn Theater in Las Vegas on March 30th.
- Previous recipients include Taylor Swift, Emilio and Gloria Estefan, and Willie Nelson.
DAVID GUETTA UNLEASHES NEW VIDEO WITH NICKI MINAJ!
David Guetta has released his new video for “Turn Me On,” featuring Nicki Minaj. In the clip, Guetta plays a mad scientist creating his very own Nicki Minaj from scrap parts. The clip opens on Guetta putting the final touches on his Minaj doll plans. As the song progresses, we see the plastic doll turn into a very human-looking Nicki Minaj. The video was shot late last year and directed by Sanji, who was previously at the helm of videos for Mary J. Blige, Lauryn Hill, Jesse McCartney and more. This is the second collabo for Guetta and Minaj. They also appeared together on his track, “Where Them Girls At.”
BIG NAMES SET TO HONOR McCARTNEY
On February 10th, just two days before the GRAMMYs, a huge group of diverse musicians will gather in L-A to pay tribute to the one and only Paul McCartney as he is honored as the 2012 MusiCares Person of the Year. The event will see performances by Neil Young and Crazy Horse, Tony Bennett, Foo Fighters, Coldplay, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Norah Jones, Katy Perry and more. And of course, Paul will perform as well. Comedian Eddie Izzard will host the show, which recognizes Paul for his artistic achievements and philanthropic work. The event is sold-out and proceeds from it will go towards emergency financial assistance and addiction recovery programs for musicians.
- This is the 22nd years MusiCares honored a Person of the Year. Previous honorees include Elton John, Billy Joel, Bono, Paul Simon, Sting, Phil Collins and James Taylor.
BEYONCE TO GET HONORED WITH STATUE IN HOUSTON
After being in the industry for almost two decades, Beyonce’s legacy will reportedly be cemented in her hometown of Houston. The former Destiny’s Child singer is going to have a monument built in her honor. The statue is expected to be completed and unveiled by the end of the year.
DRAKE SITS ATOP BILLBOARD R&B/HIP HOP CHART
Since releasing Take Care, Drake has issued seven singles from the project, including “Make Me Proud,” which has claimed the number one spot on the Billboard R&B/Hip-Hop Songs chart. The Nicki Minaj-featured track marks his eighth number one in just two and a half years. In addition, “Make Me Proud” has dethroned Wale’s “Lotus Flower Bomb” featuring Miguel after five straight weeks atop the chart. Be sure to pick up Take Care today.
AND…
DRAKE WANTS TO STAR IN PRESIDENT OBAMA BIOPIC
Drake is serious about continuing his acting career. During an interview with Vh1 News, the Young Money rapper revealed that he’d love to play President Barack Obama in a biopic. He explained, “I hope somebody makes a movie about Obama’s life soon because I could play him. That’s the goal. I watch all the addresses. Anytime I see him on TV, I don’t change the channel; I definitely pay attention and listen to the inflections of his voice. If you ask anyone who knows me, I’m pretty good at impressions.” In the meantime, Drizzy is currently preparing his Club Paradise tour, which kicks off February 14th in Miami, Florida.
- Do you see the resemblance between Drake and Obama?
SEAN PAUL REMIXES MELANIE FIONA’S “4 AM”
It’s amazing how a remix can completely change a song. For Melanie Fiona’s ballad “4 AM,” Sean Paul has revamped the singer’s first single by adding an up-tempo dancehall inspired sound. In related news, the Canadian singer is working on a new mixtape and is expected to drop her sophomore album, The MF Life, on May 8th.
- Sean recently worked with Kelly Rowland on a new song called “How Deep Is Your Love,” which appears on his new album, Tomahawk Technique, arriving February 14th.
MARIAH RETURNS TO STUDIO WITH JERMAINE DUPRI
We all know Mariah Carey has already begun working on the follow-up to 2009’s Memoirs Of An Imperfect Angel, but we had no idea that she has reteamed with producer Jermaine Dupri for the project. Late last week, Mi Mi posted a Twitpic of herself with her longtime collaborator inside Southside Studios in Atlanta. The upcoming disc marks the diva’s 14th studio effort.
- In related news, the mother of two is expected to headline the 11th annual Mawazine Festival in Morocco on May 26th.
TANK ANNOUNCES COUPLES RETREAT TOUR
Tank has revealed that he will embark on a short 8-city outing which is being dubbed The Couple Retreat Tour. According to a press release, the crooner’s trek kicks off on February 10th in Raleigh, North Carolina and hits New York City, Atlanta and Tampa before wrapping up on February 18th in Dallas, Texas. With his first single, “Next Breathe,” fans can anticipate the R&B singer’s next album, Savior, to arrive this spring.
The Couples Retreat Tour
February 10 – Raleigh, NC
February 11 – Killeen, TX
February 13 – New York, NY
February 14 – Washington, D.C.
February 15 – Philadelphia, PA
February 16 – Tampa, FL
February 17 – Atlanta, GA
February 18 – Dallas, TX
IGGY AZALEA SIGNS WITH INTERSCOPE
Australian-born rapper Iggy Azalea recently announced via Twitter that she’s signed with Interscope Records. The fem-cee first received attention for her freestyle videos on YouTube, and will now join the ranks of fellow Interscope artists Eminem, Mary J. Blige, U2 and Lady Gaga. Fans of Azalea can expect her debut single in March, followed by the release of her album, The New Classic, which lands in June.
TWEET! Iggy wrote, “Get used to me + jimmy smashing s**t, cause that’s the plan.”
MADONNA TALKS SUPER BOWL, NO NIPPLES TO BE REVEALED
Lately, superstar Madonna has been taking plenty of shots at fellow artists. Her most recent offense came in an interview to promote her upcoming performance at this year’s Super Bowl. The singer criticized past performer and longtime rival Janet Jackson for her 2004 wardrobe fiasco. In an interview with NY 1, Madonna spoke about her halftime show and stated, “You don’t have to show nipples to be interesting.” What should fans expect? According to the megastar, there will be something “super entertaining.”
- M.I.A. wrote, “I asked Madonna if she was gonna show her ***s, she said naaa everyone’s seen em.”
- It was recently confirmed that Madonna be performing the halftime show with artists M.I.A. and Nicki Minaj.
WANNA GO TO DIDDY’S AFTER-GRAMMY PARTY?
If you’re broke then this party ain’t for you. TMZ reports Diddy is selling passes for his post-GRAMMY party next month at the Playboy Mansion. While ticket prices vary, the highest one will set you back 50-thousand dollars, which will get you “two private cabanas, VIP admission for 20 people, buffet dinner, open bar, free bottle service and 15 dedicated female promotional models.” The more affordable option is the 15-hundred dollar ticket and we’re guessing that will most likely only get you through the door. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to benefit the Angelwish Foundation for children afflicted by HIV/AIDS.
ETTA JAMES ALBUM SALES ARE UP
Billboard.com reports Etta James’ greatest hits collection has become her highest charting album to date. After news broke of her passing, The Best of Etta James – 20th Century Masters: The Millennium Collection rose from number 162 on the Billboard 200 chart to number 46. The “At Last” singer died on January 20th at the age of 73 after battling leukemia, dementia and hepatitis C.
- Her funeral took place on Saturday at the Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena, California.
CHRISTINA AGUILERA REMEMBERS ETTA JAMES
Christina Aguilera was deeply inspired by late-blues and R&B singer Etta James. When X-tina was young, she covered Etta’s classic tune, “At Last,” and will continue to honor James by performing the song in the future. Aguilera took to Twitter and posted a picture of the two.
TWEET! Christina’s tweet: “One of the greatest moments of my life… Singing with my idol, the legendary Etta James. You will forever be missed.”
KELLY ROWLAND DROPS “KEEP IT BETWEEN US” VIDEO
Kelly Rowland is not done promoting her latest album, Here I Am. The singer has just unleashed the visual for her newest single, “Keep It Between Us.” The clip was shot in Paris and includes actor Lance Gross as the former Destiny Child singer’s love interest. If you haven’t done so already, do yourself a favor and pick up Here I Am, today.
CHRIS BROWN’S GUEST FEATURES CONTINUES TO GROW
Since Chris Brown is refusing to do interviews, fans have to rely on his Twitter page to find out news surrounding his upcoming album, Fortune. So far, Breezy has announced that the follow-up to F.A.M.E. will include contributions from will.i.am, David Guetta, Asher Roth, Wiz Khalifa, Nas and Kid Sister. If that’s not enough, there’s whispers that Brown is looking to invite even more acts. Be sure to look out for Fortune when the disc arrives in March.
- Are you excited for the album?
After passing away on January 20th, the memorial and funeral arrangements for Etta James have been announced. CNN reports there will be a public viewing on Friday at the Inglewood Cemetery in Inglewood, California. In addition, there will be a private funeral service the following day where Rev. Al Sharpton will preside over the service. The “At Last” singer died on Friday at the age of 73 after battling leukemia, dementia and hepatitis C.
- The funeral will take place at Greater Bethany Community Church City of Refuge in Gardena, California.
NE-YO FINDS NEW LABEL HOME AT MOTOWN
After parting ways with Def Jam, Ne-Yo has reportedly has signed to Motown Records and has been appointed Senior Vice President of A&R. Billboard.biz reports the singer will also bring his Compound Entertainment imprint to his new label home. Ne-Yo in a statement, “I’m honored that I’ve been given such a prestigious title and trusted with such responsibility; terrified because I know that playing this role in the fashion of one of my career role models, Mr. Smokey Robinson—these are big shoes to fill. But trust, I can handle it.” Ne-Yo’s fifth album, The Cracks in Mr. Perfect, is due this summer.
- The crooner released four albums on Def Jam.
NICKI MINAJ BREAKS RECORD WITH “STUPID HOE” VIDEO
Is there anything Nicki Minaj can’t do? The Young Money fem-cee has reportedly broken a record on Vevo for having the highest single video views within the first 24 hours of release. After releasing her Hype Williams-directed visual to “Stupid Hoe,” the Queens native racked up 4.8-million views. In related news, her sophomore album, Pink Friday: Roman Reloaded, is set for an April 3rd release.
COMMON DOESN’T KNOW WHEN DRAKE BEEF WILL END
We’re still scratching our heads over the beef brewing between Common and Drake. During an interview with Bossip.com, the Chicago native touched on when he plans to patch things up with Drizzy. He explained, “I really honestly don’t know how things will end. I just want to put out there that it’s not a thing where I don’t like him as a human being or like I got something against him personally. That’s not what it is.” Common feels that since Drake took the first jab, “If you come at me, I’ma fight until the end. I’m not talking about physical. I’m talking about emceeing.” Be sure to pick up his latest album, The Dreamer, The Believer, which is out now.
TYGA TO COLLABORATE WITH NICKI, NAS ON CARELESS WORLD
XXLMag.com reports that Tyga is cooking up some great music for his upcoming album, Careless World: Rise of the Last King. The Young Money rapper revealed that his label mate, Nicki Minaj, will appear on the project on a track called “Muthf**cka Up.” He stated, “That one is one of them going in type songs. Like how Lil Wayne had ‘A Milli.’ One of those Young Money records that people love. We got a crazy visual for that one, too.” In addition, the “Rack City” rapper says Nas contributed guest verses on a record called “King And Queens,” which he says is “a real classic song. People are gonna like it.” Be sure to look out for Careless World: Rise of the Last King on February 21st.
NEW JOHN LEGEND SINGLE LEAKS!
The newly engaged John Legend is readying another album and he recently released a new song called “Tonight (Best You Ever Had).” The track includes guest verses from Ludacris and will also appear on the upcoming soundtrack for the film Think Like a Man. Check it out now at SoundCloud.com.
JENNIFER HUDSON’S FAMILY MURDERS TRIAL WILL BE ON TV?
We previously told you that a trial date has been set for the murder case of Jennifer Hudson’s three family members. According to CBS Chicago, the forthcoming trial might allow cameras and microphones in courtrooms. This means the entire case against William Balfour could be televised due to new provisions decided by the Illinois Supreme Court. We will keep you updated.
- Balfour pled not guilty to the murders of Hudson’s mother, brother and nephew back in October of 2008.
JUSTIN BIEBER CAUSES SPIKE IN CANADIAN ORGAN DONORS
Justin Bieber caused a spike in Canadian donor registrations. According to The Hollywood Reporter, it all started when 20-year-old Helene Campbell made a personal plea via Twitter to raise the number of organ donors as she awaits a lung transplant in Toronto. Bieber responded to Campbell’s request by retweeting her plea to his 16-million followers. By Sunday, the Trillium Gift of Life Network’s BeADonor.ca website reported 565 new donors. A post then appeared on the life-saving organization’s Facebook page that reads, “Thanks to Helene, her team, and all the Bielibers out there!” Now there are over one-thousand new donors listed on the site.
SNOOP DOGG TO LAUNCH CIGAR BRAND
Snoop Dogg has recently announced on his official website plans to launch his own cigar line. The rapper’s brand, which is described to have tobacco made with the “highest quality,” is called Executive Branch and will be released during this year’s Coachella Music Festival. In addition, the cigars will be sold for just 99-cents a pack with two in each package.
The tobacco was imported from the Dominican Republic.
BRANDY TO RECORD DUET WITH DRAKE?
According to TrueExclusives.com, Brandy hinted at wanting to work with Drake on the follow-up to 2008’s Human. She said of the Young Money rapper, “I love Drake. I think Drake is just so phenomenal. I love his music. I’m always wishing that I can just sing one of Drake’s melodies.” The singer says that Drizzy might pen a song for the project, which is slated to arrive this May. The news comes just as Brandy confirmed that she has collaborated again with Monica.
The disc will include collaborations with Frank Ocean, Bangladesh and Chris Brown.
BEYONCE, JAY-Z DONATE BABY GIFTS TO CHARITY
Ever since Blue Ivy Carter was born, Beyonce and Jay-Z have been heavily scrutinized by the media for allegedly being given special treatment inside New York City’s Lenox Hill hospital. However, the couple recently did a good deed by donating expensive gifts to charity. A source told the Daily Star newspaper, “Oprah Winfrey gave a huge trunk of children’s books and others like P. Diddy, Kanye West, Rihanna and Mariah Carey have all been sending luxurious baby treats.” The source adds, “They’ve already got the most precious gift – their new baby daughter – so they want to help out other parents who haven’t been as fortunate.”
MELANIE FIONA RELEASES NEW SONG FROM MF LIFE
According to Rap-Up.com, Melanie Fiona has unleashed a new Motown-inspired song called “Wrong Side of a Love Song.” The track will reportedly appear on the singer’s her sophomore album, The MF Life, which is scheduled to arrive on May 8th.
DRAKE UPSET BY “DRAKE” FOREHEAD TATTOO
Do you remember that female fan who decided to get the word “Drake” tattooed across her forehead? Well according to XXLMag.com, Drake has sent one of his bodyguards to see the Los Angeles tattoo artist named Kevin Campbell, who was responsible for the ink. Campbell announced on Twitter that Drake’s security went inside the shop to speak to him while Drizzy remained outside in the vehicle. He wrote, “[Drake] really made himself more like a sweet bitch with that move!” As previously reported, Drizzy said during recent interviews that Campbell was a real “a**hole” for tattooing that on her forehead and should lose his job.
KELLY ROWLAND TO TRIBUTE MARIAH AT BET HONORS
According to BET.com, Kelly Rowland has signed on to serve as one of the performers who will pay tribute to Mariah Carey during this year’s BET Honors. The singer is expected to perform some of Carey’s hit songs during the fifth annual show. As previously reported, BET Honors will premiere during Black History Month, on Monday, February 13th at 9 PM.
Do you think Kelly can hit Mariah’s high notes?
LIL WAYNE RELEASING PRISON MEMOIR
The Associated Press reports Lil Wayne has decided to author his first book. The rap mogul has teamed with Grand Central Publishing to put out Gone Til November, which is chronicles Weezy’s stint at Rikers Island and includes some of the open letters he sent to his fans. The rapper’s literary effort is slated to arrive in bookstores on November 28th.
The rapper completed eight months behind barsafter being found guilty for weapons possessions.
JENNIFER HUDSON, NE-YO ISSUE SINGLE FROM THINK LIKE A MAN
To get people more excited about the upcoming film, Think Like a Man, the official title track with Jennifer Hudson, Rick Ross and Ne-Yo has been released. While the release date for the soundtrack is yet to be announced, you can expect the big-screen adaptation of Steve Harvey’s book to star Chris Brown, Taraji P. Henson, Gabrielle Union, Meagan Good and more. Look for it in theaters on March 9th.
YOUNG JEEZY, DRAKE REMAIN IN TOP 5 ON BILLBOARD CHART
Drake continues to enjoy his reign on the Billboard 200 chart as his sophomore album, Take Care, has remained at the number two spot for the second consecutive week. The disc reportedly moved an additional 42-thousand copies, bringing its total sales to over 1.2-million copies. Elsewhere, Young Jeezy’s latest album, TM103: Hustlerz Ambition, has slipped to number four and raked in over 334-thousand units since being released in December.
LUPE FIASCO’S LASERS GOES GOLD
Lupe Fiasco announced on his website that his latest album, Lasers, has officially reached gold status. The rapper’s effort has amassed sales over 500-thousand copies. As previously reported, Lasers was one of the few rap albums to debut at number one on the Billboard 200 chart in 2011.
SWIZZ BEATZ WORKING ON NEW MIXTAPE
Aside from raising his son with Alicia Keys, Swizz Beatz is still working on his highly anticipated third album, Haute Living. Since the LP currently has no release date, the hitmaker wrote on Twitter that fans will get new music in the form of a mixtape. The free project will surface soon and we’ll keep you posted with more updates.
AND…
ALICIA KEYS UP FOR DIRECTOR’S GUILD AWARDS
According to SingersRoom.com, Alicia Keys has received a nomination for the upcoming Directors Guild of America Awards. The singer recently made her directorial debut with a movie called Lili, which was created for Lifetime’s short film series on breast cancer. Keys is up for Outstanding Directorial Achievement in Movies for Television and Mini-Series category. The ceremony takes place on January 28th in Los Angeles.
BEYONCE’S BABY CALLED “SATAN” BY CHURCH VANDAL
People seem to have mixed opinions about Jay-Z and Beyonce’s new baby, Blue Ivy Carter. According to TMZ, an unidentified vandal recently defaced a sign for the North Carolina Baptist church and made it read: “Beyonce had her baby. Satan is on Earth.” The pastor, who claims the church was unaware of the incident, told TMZ that he received numerous complaints and removed the sign immediately.
Do you think news like this will upset Beyonce?
AND…
SOLANGE DEFENDS BEYONCE ON TWITTER
Solange recently lashed out at critics of the birth of Beyoncé and Jay-Z’s daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. The singer shared on her Twitter page, “It has really gotten out of hand. I’ve been doing my best at keeping my mouth shut….but the ignorance is really sad and upsetting.” While she feels hard to not react to false allegations, Solo said of her niece, “The most beautiful girl in the world. In love. So THIS is what Aunty-hood feels like.” Photos of the couple’s bundle of joy have yet to be released, we’ll keep you posted.
YELAWOLF SHOOTS VIDEO WITH KID ROCK
Yelawolf has released the video for “Let’s Roll,” which includes an appearance from Kid Rock. While you can peep the visual via the rap rookie’s fansite, be sure to pick up his Shady Records debut Radioactive, available in stores now.
JENNIFER HUDSON DENIES RUMORS OF PRECIOUS ROLE
We previously reported that Jennifer Hudson turned down the lead role in Precious due to the excessive weight gain she would have to put on. However, according to TMZ, the singer claimed that putting on extra pounds was not the reason she declined the offer. She explained, “I turned it down because I felt it was just too graphic for me at that time.” Interestingly enough, Hudson told Dateline that she passed because she “would have had to be the big girl again.” If you remember, Hudson agreed to put on weight to for her character in Dreamgirls and in the upcoming film, Winnie.
Do you feel Jennifer should have to explain why she turned down the role?
MARY J BLIGE RE-RELEASES “MR. WRONG” VIDEO
Rap-Up.com reports Mary J Blige has just issued a slightly altered visual to her latest single, “Mr Wrong.” This time, the video includes an appearance from Drake, who raps his guest verses at the beginning of the clip. The Rico Love and Jim Jonsin-produced song is lifted from Blige’s latest album, My Life II, which is out now.
RIHANNA BEATS LAGA GAGA FOR MOST VIEWS ON YOUTUBE
According to RihannaDaily.com, Rihanna has just beat out Lady Gaga for the most views on YouTube. The “We Found Love” singer, who already has more Facebook likes that Gaga, has a whopping two-million more views. In related news, Robin’s latest album, Talk That Talk, currently sits at the number six position on the Billboard 200 chart and has sold over 541-thousand to date.
Ri Ri currently stands at over two-billion views!
JUSTIN BIEBER IN THE STUDIO!
Justin Bieber entered the studio this week to begin working on his new album, Believe. His manager, Scooter Braun, took to Twitter to write that the album “is going to be ridiculous!” The 17-year-old singer recently told V magazine that he wants the album to recall Justin Timberlake’s FutureSex/LoveSounds record sonically, but he noted that his lyrics would be a little more PG than the topics Timberlake covered on the effort. Bieber did take a break from recording this week to hit up the Consumer Electronics Show, which is currently under way in Las Vegas.
ARETHA, MARY, FANTASIA & MORE TO HEADLINE ESSENCE FEST
Finally! Essence has just sent a press release for the lineup for the 2012 Essence Music Festival in New Orleans. This year, the show will include main stage performances from Mary J Blige, who headlined last year, Aretha Franklin, Fantasia, Charlie Wilson, Ledisi and Keyshia Cole. The three-day festival will also feature sets from Bridget Kelly, Stephanie Mills, SWV, Dru Hill, Vivian Green, Goapele, The Stylistics, Raheem Devaughn and more. Be sure to visit EseenceMusicFestival.com to learn more.
